Moving to Playa del Carmen, Tulum or the Riviera Maya
Today living abroad and moving to another country has become very attractive for many people, not only since the pandemic in early 2020. The Riviera Maya including Playa del Carmen and Tulum has been on the top list of Expat Destinations in Mexico for more than 3 decades.
Immigration from Europe, Canada, North and South America has transformed Playa del Carmen from a small fishing village into a cosmopolitan city with beautiful beaches and warm weather year-round. Tulum is on the rise for a few years and has become the go-to place for eco-chic hotels, sustainable developments, and eco-homes in the jungle.
But that is not all! Everyone who has lived or moved to the Riviera Maya will tell you that they love the lifestyle, its people, the beautiful beaches, the green jungle, and the relatively lower cost of living.
Live style in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya
While the lifestyle in Playa del Carmen is a little different than in Tulum or for example Puerto Aventuras, all of the villages and cities along the Riviera Maya have the following in common:
Warm and sunny weather to enjoy the outdoors year-round! And yes, sometimes it rains and if it does, it rains heavily.
Beautiful stretches of white sandy beaches with calm turquoise water. Some Mexican beaches are very popular among tourists, but others are hidden treasures, and along the Riviera Maya are a lot of beaches to choose from!
Wonderful welcoming and warm people, local residents and expats alike, English is spoken everywhere!
Exceptional restaurants and fresh food everywhere, from local street vendors to traditional Mexican food, vegan restaurants, cuisine from all over the world like Germany, Israel, Italy, Canada, Argentina, India, you name it!
Beach bars with live music almost every day of the week – you want to meet people? You can do that any day of the week!
In need of a healthy lifestyle? Yoga, Salsa Dancing, Diving, Paddleboarding, Swimming, Snorkeling, Water Aerobics, Zumba, Tennis, Basketball, Running, Gym …. the options are endless and sometimes classes are for free!
A lower cost of living allows you to support the local economy by having a gardener or a maid or even a caretaker for an elderly person. But that is not all! Regular groceries, fresh fish, vegetables & fruits are cheap, rents, real estate, healthcare, and insurance, etc. are affordable as well.
Imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean, at one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in the Riviera Maya: Tankah Bay.
Tankah is a true Riviera Maya jewel offering tropical scenery with Luxury Beachfront Real Estate while remaining close to Tulum. The beaches in Tankah are protected by the bay, making the sea calm and tranquil. Beachfront Real Estate in Tankah Bay Tulum offers stunning views of the turquoise blue sea of the Mexican Caribbean. Furthermore, property owners of Tankah Tulum Real Estate enjoy a freshwater mangrove cenote 200 meters from the shore, perfect for snorkeling and immersing in the extraordinary nature the Riviera Maya is known for.
Because Tulum Real Estate does not offer any beachfront properties, Tankah Bay is the best option for you, if you look for Beachfront Real Estate in the Riviera Maya while being close to Tulum. The demand for Tankah Bay Beachfront Properties is high andPre-Sale Developments are selling fast because it is one of the few options to own that piece of luxury paradise in the Riviera Maya close to Tulum.
How to get your working visa as a foreigner and how to get your permanent residency card as a retiree for Mexico
Learn about the different types of visas available for foreigners and get to know the best Immigration Specialist in Playa del Carmen
Most foreigners enter Mexico with a tourist visa that is valid for up to 180 days. But what if you want to stay longer or even move permanently to Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya?
People have different needs and there are different options available for staying legally in Mexico. An Immigration Specialist is the right person to talk to. They are not only always up to date with the current immigration laws in Mexico, but they also know how to work with the local immigration office in Playa del Carmen, they speak Spanish and are able to understand the bureaucratic gibberish of the immigration laws and notifications.
Immigration Services in Playa del Carmen: help and necessity for everyone who does not speak Spanish
It is important to talk to an Immigration Specialist to figure out what is the best residency visa option in Mexico for you, as there are different types and different requirements.
We are happy to connect you with the Best Immigration Specialists in Playa del Carmen with many years of experience that are highly recommended and trusted, send us an email at info(at)playa-rentals(dot)com and we will provide you their contact information.
Here is just a brief overview:
Temporary Residency (valid 6 months to 4 years).
This option can be the right option for everyone who has a certain amount of savings in the bank or gets a certain amount of pension/salary from another country every month. If you own Real Estate in Mexico it can be a good option for you as well or if you want to invest in or start a Mexican Cooperation. You also will get a Temporary Residency if you start working in Mexico for an employer that has permission from the government to hire foreign workers. When you have a child that as born in Mexico, or you have other family bonds with a Mexican, you also can obtain this type of residency.
So you see that there are different options to get the Temporary Residency in Mexico and it is important to speak to one of the Immigration Specialists in Playa del Carmen to figure out what is the best and easiest visa option for you, especially as part of the immigration process already starts in your country and will get finalized here in Playa del Carmen‘s local immigration office.
Permanent Residency is a lifetime residency and a one-time process to obtain it. If you have a Temporary Residency you will obtain the Permanent Residency after 4 years, but you have to apply for it. And again, suitable for all foreigners who can prove that they have a certain amount of savings in the bank or can prove that they get a certain amount of pension/salary from another country every month, or own Real Estate or are doing business or are working in Mexico.
For more info please contact us at info(at)playa-rentals(dot)com
Here is a small overview on the main areas of Playa del Carmen.
Center including downtown Playa del Carmen – East side of the highway from Playacar to the north end (around Calle 46)
This part of Playa del Carmen becomes more and more popular for vacationers & tourist that stay short term. Long Term Rental Prices have been on the raise for several years now. Owners get more return on their investment renting on a weekly base instead renting Long Term. A decent and furnished1 BR in the center of Playa del Carmen starts at 8,500 Pesos and can go up to 1500 USD or more, depending on size, amenities, age of the building, location within the center etc. A 2 BR can start as well as low as 12,000 Pesos, but can also go up to 3000 USD if you want to have an ocean view or elevator, gym and business center. Please take note, that there are hardly any houses in the center of Playa del Carmen. Most properties are 1 or 2 BR units, to find 3 or 4 BR properties is difficult.
Gated Gold Course Community of Playacar – south end of Playa del Carmen
Playacar is almost the size of the center of Playa del Carmen and is a semi gated community with all-inclusive hotels on the beach side, residential developments with houses and condominiums, a 18 whole golf course, a private school, and a newly build shopping mall. There is a public beach access for all its residents at the Reef Club Hotel.
Compared to the center, Playacar is very green with lots of trees and gardens and has a bike path where you can see people biking and running in the mornings or evenings. Playacar is a perfect area for families with children and pets, people who like it quiet and like the feeling of being in a suburban area. This is the only area where 2 or more BR houses are available, starting at 1500 USD up to 5000 USD or more. Condos start at 1000 USD and up. There is not public transportation available and taxis charge a higher fee, so most residents have a car.
Ejido – Westside of the highway
The Ejido has been growing in the early years of the development of Playa del Carmen without any regulations, that why you can find today a colorful mix of of antique Mexican Style houses, half-finished houses and newer buildings, local stores & fruit & vegetable markets, butchers, hardware & clothing stores, restaurants & small hotels & apartments. I love this neighborhood and own a small house with garden in Ejido Sur with fast access to a shopping mall and a 7 minute bike ride from the beach. Lots of expats are moving to this area, not only because rents in the center are getting more expensive, also to be more involved with the Mexican community.
Colossio – Calle 46 up to the northend of Playa del Carmen called Nicte Ha
Colossio used to be the neighborhood where you hardly would find expats or foreigners. This has changed today. More and more expats & foreigners are moving to this area, because of better rental prices and because you can find unique properties here. Since a couple of years developers have discovered Colossio and are building condos on the “New 5th Avenue” that was built from the Luxury Hotel, located at the far end of this neighborhood. Along the pedestrian walkway, new small restaurants & art shops are popping up.
If you have any questions about Playa del Carmen real estate, please write to us, we are happy to help.
Not knowing the town and neighborhoods, nor the particulars of the culture, and probably not being able to speak enough Spanish makes it hard, confusing, and time-consuming for everyone looking to rent in Playa del Carmen, Tulum & the Riviera Maya.
How can you find a rental property in Playa del Carmen? Where to look? Where are the best locations to live? Who can help you, to find a Long Term Rental in Playa del Carmen?
We at Playa Rentals & Sales® want to share the best tips we have gathered through the years of experience in Renting and Selling in the Playa del Carmen &Riviera Maya Real Estate Market.
Start looking online and browse through sites that advertise rentals. This will give you a good overview of what is out there, for what price, and in which neighborhood. Take notes of what you like and have a look at our maps to get familiar with the different areas. Feel free to send us a screenshot or link to units you found online and we are happy to check if they are real and existing, as many advertisements are permanent listings.
The Long Term Rental Market in Playa del Carmen is hot and fast. Availabilities are changing almost on a daily base. What was available yesterday is rented within a few days. Most owners & their property managers do not want to hold a unit for a potential tenant. That is why we start searching 14 days before your arrival or rental date. That is enough time to find a list of available properties.
Come to Playa del Carmen and stay in a hotel for 2 nights if you can and choose a Long Term Rental in Playa delCarmen when you are here. We do not recommend renting for 6 or 12-month sight unseen or from pictures if you are new to Playa del Carmen. It is also recommendable to use our expertise. We know many properties and we know the good and the bad about almost every building and neighborhood. We will search for suitable Long Term Rentals in Playa del Carmen for you before your arrival and will show you properties while you are staying in the hotel. 2 or 3 days with showings are enough and you will be able to make a good choice.
Best times to look for a Long Term Rental Apartment in Playa del Carmen are February, May, June, and September, although there is always availability year around. The worst times are December & January because of Christmas and New Year Vacations. Easter in March/April is also not a good date. Sometimes the Summer can be a little difficult as well.
If you have the chance to be in Playa del Carmen before your move, get familiar with the areas you consider staying in. Walk around, take notes of street names and take photos of advertisements. Don’t worry if you are not able to speak Spanish, or if you do not have time to call, we will take care of this, just send us your notes.
We hope this information gives you a little more clarity about this exciting step you are about to take. If you want to know other aspects to study, we invite you to read our Real Estate Guide Moving to Mexico.
If you have any questions about renting Long Term in Playa del Carmen, please write to us, we are happy to help.
Buy a house in Playa del Carmen & the Riviera Maya including Tulum are great places to retire not only because of beautiful white sandy beaches & the Caribbean Sea with sunny weather year around, also because of first class facilities, great infrastructure and affordability if you are on a budget.
International Living, a well-known magazine specialized in helping people to retire overseas, ranks every year the words most desirable destinations for retiring abroad. The International Living Retirement Index for 2017 lists Mexico as Nr. 1 spot to retire overseas.
Mexico has been on the Top 10 list for several years. After all, according to International Living there are more than 1 million Americans living in Mexico. Retirees report living well for as little as $1,200 a month.
With an international airport less than an hour away, it is easy, fast and affordable to stay connected with family in your home country. Playa del Carmen provides lot of attractions besides the main ones like the white sandy beaches, the turquoise Caribbean Sea or the Mayan ruins & culture. The Mexican way of life is ideal for retirement. It provides a more laid-back atmosphere, one can relax and enjoy while still lead an active life. The friendly people, the cosmopolitan flair and the welcoming culture is perfect for a low-stress living.
You will fall in love the fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meats you can find at local markets and you will recognize how much money you can save. Even eating out at local restaurants is more affordable than you think. The exchange rate between the Mexican Peso and the US Dollar fluctuates approximately 18 – 20, which means you can get a week of groceries with an investment of a low as 20 USD.
Playa del Carmen has excellent and affordable health care (English speaking), worlds class shopping on 5th Avenue or in shopping malls, cheap public transportation, superb climate year around, a big expat community, diversity, walkability, hundreds of restaurants (also
vegetarian and vegan) and many sports activities. Playa del Carmen is also located within an couple of hours to other attractions, like colonial style cities, Mayan Villages, small islands like Isla Mujeres or Holbox . Playa del Carmen is a perfect place for all who like to enjoy an active retirement and indulge in the comfort of a very good infrastructure. As a young city, Playa del Carmen is constantly changing, is full of energy and life, and is a bilingual, which makes it for retirees even more attractive.
Plan your retirement in Playa del Carmen, buy a home now, and enjoy it later while you keep it maintained through rental income. Playa del Carmen & the Riviera Maya including Tulum offer housing for all budgets. A new and modern 3BR house in a gated community with common pool, security and just 10 car minutes away from the beautiful beaches start as low as 50,000 USD and a 2 BR condo in the center of Playa del Carmen or Tulum starts at around 150.000 USD. In addition, rental prices (6 to 12 month) are very affordable and are as low as 400 USD.
If you decide to live and retire in this paradise and buy a house in Playa del Carmen or Tulum always seek advice from a professional real estate agent who knows the area well and has experience in selling and renting in that area. Our agents are all expats
who have chosen Playa del Carmen & the Riviera Maya as their home and have a deep knowledge about the area and the particulars of the culture.
Read here the newest magazine that talks about Playacar in Playa Del Carmen.
This was and still is a though year for everyone and we do hope you can gather with your family at Christmas wherever you are…and even better if this place is the Riviera Maya for you!
Beautiful beach Playa Xcalacoco just North of Playa del Carmen
Xcalacoco Beach is a well-kept public beach, used and visited by locals & residents of the surrounding communities of Lol Tun, Privanza del Mar, Lol Ka Tun, etc. Xcalacoco is located between two hotels, Le Reve Hotel & Spa, a small boutique hotel, and the Azul Fives Resort. However, the beach is usually quiet. Most of the guests of the resort stay in one of their several pools.
The water at Xcalacoco is often very calm and parts of the beach are rocky. Because Xcalacoco beach is public, there is no service, so you need to bring your own drinks, snacks, towels & chairs. Please take care of the environment, take your trash with you, and please don`t leave cigarette buds in the sand. A lifeguard should be on duty. For all who do want service, there is a public beach club of the Selvamar community close by.
How to get to Playa Xcalacoco from Playa del Carmen?
There is no public transportation, so you need to drive, but please note parking is very limited. Xcalacoco Beach, therefore, is perfect for all the people vacationing/living in the gated communities nearby like Lol Tun, Privanza del Mar, or Lol Ka Tun or El Cielo. With a bike, you need at the most 7 minutes to the beach. On your way stop at the convenience store called OxxO that sells everything you need for a beach day, including cold beer and water.
Driving Instructions to Xcalacoco Beach Playa del Carmen
Coming from Playa del Carmen drive on the 307-highway direction Cancun. Go past the entrance to Grand Coral/Nick Price Residences. At the traffic light (at the Coco-Cola factory), turn right on the road. Drive down the road. You will pass the gated communities of Lol Tun, Balam Tun (here you can find the convenience store OxxO), Privanza del Mar, and Lol Ka Tun until you come to the Azul Fives Resort. Follow the street and you will see a small public beach access. If you come to Le Reve Hotel & Spa you passed the entrance. As mentioned parking is very limited! But this also means, that not many people come to this beach.
If you miss Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya here we have something for you!
Enjoy the July Magazine from Playacar, the exclusive resort area in Playa del Carmen where you can find world-class beaches, luxury condos, and family homes among all-inclusive hotels and a golf course.
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